Chapter 18: Losing Ground

Emma wasn't sure when the night had shifted.

One moment, she had been in control—steady, composed, unshaken.

Now, sitting across from Alex in the dim glow of the lounge, she felt the ground slipping beneath her.

And the worst part?

He knew it.

—

She leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, forcing indifference into her tone. "You assume too much, Kingston."

Alex chuckled, swirling his drink. "Do I?"

Emma met his gaze, unflinching. "Yes. And it's going to be your biggest mistake."

Instead of looking worried, he smirked.

She hated that smirk.

Hated that it made her feel things she had spent years avoiding.

"Alright," Alex said, setting his glass down. "Prove me wrong."

Emma raised a brow. "And how exactly do you expect me to do that?"

His gaze was sharp, calculating. "Go on a date with me."

Emma blinked.

Then laughed.

A slow, disbelieving sound. "That's the dumbest thing I've heard all day."

Alex didn't flinch. "You're scared."

She scoffed. "Of what?"

"That you might actually like it."

Emma clenched her jaw.

She wanted to argue. To shut him down, to wipe that cocky look off his face.

But she knew if she kept fighting, she would only prove his point.

And that?

That was unacceptable.

So she did the next best thing.

She leaned in, her voice cool and sharp. "I don't date men like you, Kingston."

He tilted his head. "Men like me?"

"Arrogant. Overconfident. Used to getting their way."

Alex smirked. "You just described yourself."

Emma stiffened.

Because damn it—he wasn't wrong.

—

The tension between them stretched, unspoken but undeniable.

Finally, Alex leaned back, giving her an easy grin. "Alright, Carter. No date."

Emma narrowed her eyes. "Just like that?"

He shrugged. "For now."

She didn't like the way he said it.

Like he had already won.

Like he knew this wasn't the end.

And the most frustrating part?

A small, dangerous part of her wondered if he was right.

—

By the time Emma left the lounge, her head was a mess.

She had dealt with powerful men before. Men who thought they could control her, charm her, break her.

She had shut down every single one of them.

So why was Alex Kingston different?

Why did he make her question everything?

The thought haunted her all the way home.

And as she lay awake in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, one truth burned through her mind.

She wasn't just fighting Alex.

She was fighting herself.

And for the first time…

She wasn't sure if she was going to win.